AprilAutumn Leaves · Chugoku & Shikoku
Chomonkyo Gorge
Ato, YamaguchiGorge🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Mid Nov
Overview
Overview
A gorge along the Abu River spanning Yamaguchi City and Hagi City, designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a prefectural natural park, and one of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s finest scenic spots. In autumn, bright red maples are reflected in the water, and you can enjoy the autumn leaves as you walk the trail along the gorge.
- Address
- Ato, Yamaguchi City / Kawakami, Hagi City, Yamaguchi 759-1231
- Time needed
- About 100 min one way to walk the full length. 4–5 hours round trip
- Official website
- https://yamaguchi-tourism.jp/spot/detail_10111.html
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually late October to mid-November
September
October
November
December
Varies with each year’s temperatures. Check the official website or the tourism association’s autumn leaves updates for the latest colors
🍁 These spots are in their typical peak period. Actual colors shift with each year’s temperatures, so check the official foliage updates too.
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
A walking trail of about 5.1 km runs along the gorge, with colored maples reflected in the stream all the way. You can start walking from either the southern end, by the roadside station and JR Chomonkyo Station, or the northern end at Ryugubuchi.
📷 Best views
Ryugubuchi
The entrance on the Hagi City (northern) side. Free parking available
Roadside Station Chomonkyo Kunku no Daichi
The entrance on the Yamaguchi City (southern) side, with an information center, farm stand and restaurant
Hours
Opening hours
Roadside Station Chomonkyo Kunku no Daichi (information center and farm stand)9:30–18:00
Restaurant 11:00–19:00 (last order 18:00)
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓There is generally no mobile phone signal on the trail
- ✓There are no toilets along the trail, only at the facilities at the entrances, so go before you set off
- ✓Watch your step: some places have no railings and some sections are slippery
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- JR Chomonkyo Station (JR Yamaguchi Line)5 min walk
- From major stations & airports
- Ogori IC (Chugoku Expressway): Car (About 40 min)
- Kano IC (Chugoku Expressway): Car (About 50 min)
- By car & parking
- Ryugubuchi Parking (100 regular cars, 6 large vehicles, free). Parking also available at the roadside station
- Getting back
- If you walk the full length, decide in advance how you will get back from the entrance at the other end
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- The parking lots at the entrances get busy on weekends at the peak
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- November normals for Hagi: high 17.3°C, low 8.6°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). The gorge is in the mountains and gets even colder in the mornings and evenings
- What to wear & bring
- The gorge is shady and cold, so bring a jacket you can layer. Some sections are slippery, so wear trekking shoes or other comfortable footwear
Facilities
Facilities
- Toilets
- None along the trail; available at entrance facilities such as the roadside station (wheelchair-accessible toilet at the roadside station)
Events
Events & festivals in Hagi, Tsunoshima & Akiyoshidai
AprilAttractions
Attractions in Hagi, Tsunoshima & Akiyoshidai
ZooAkiyoshidai Safari Land
Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Hagi, Tsunoshima & Akiyoshidai
A safari-style animal park in the Akiyoshidai area where you can see animals without leaving your car. Besides the Safari Zone that you drive through in your own car, there's a feeding bus that tours by dedicated bus, a Walking Zone where you can interact with animals on foot, and an amusement park with free admission.
AquariumShimonoseki Marine Science Museum Kaikyokan
Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi
A Shimonoseki City aquarium facing the Kanmon Straits. Under the concept Life in the Sea, the Sea and Life, it's known for a tank recreating the Kanmon Straits currents and its world-leading display of about 100 species of pufferfish. It reopened after renovation in August 2025, adding Hireashi Beach, a new California sea lion exhibit.
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Chugoku & Shikoku
Mountain & highland🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge
Gorge
GardenYuushien Garden
Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Izumo & Matsue
🍁 Typical peak: Early Nov – Early Dec
✦ Illumination
ParkKintaikyo Bridge Area (Momijidani Park)
Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Iwakuni, Yamaguchi
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov
ParkMomijidani Park (Miyajima)
Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Hiroshima & Miyajima
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov
GardenOkayama Korakuen Garden
Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Okayama & Kurashiki
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Early Dec
✦ Illumination
GardenRitsurin Garden
Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Takamatsu, Naoshima & Shodoshima
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Early Dec
✦ Illumination
Peak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-05
